American Addiction Centers Blog
September Is National Recovery Month
August 20, 2024
What Is National Recovery Month? In the United States, National Recovery Month is observed in September. While in the past, each year focused on a new theme, the permanent, overarching theme going forward is “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.” The goal is to raise understanding of the disease of addiction, reduce stigma attached to […]
While not everyone who uses drugs or alcohol misuses them or becomes addicted, there are some things that you can do to prevent substance misuse. These include: 1. Understand the differences between substance use, misuse, and addiction. Not every person who uses alcohol or drugs develops an addiction. In fact, it’s important to understand the […]
The one-day-at-a-time mantra is used frequently in the world of recovery, particularly among people who follow the 12-Step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Its purpose is to remind individuals in recovery to stay in the present, focus on today, and not think too far ahead about sobriety. Because the saying has become so […]
Plenty of articles talk about sober dating in terms of when it’s OK to start dating again and various do’s and don’ts of dating after rehab. Some pieces even offer a list of apps designed to help those in recovery connect with one another. But aside from apps, how can you get the ball rolling? […]
Many people in the United States, and globally, struggle with an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), and will often go to great lengths to hide their problematic drinking and their alcohol. This page will demonstrate some of the common places and ways that those struggling with alcohol use will try to hide their alcohol consumption. Common […]
Individuals who are addicted to drugs or alcohol will often resort to various means to be able to fund their addictions. These actions are typically driven by the need to feed their addiction and often do not represent responsible or legal behavior by which they would usually conduct themselves, however, when addiction takes control, addicts […]
Making the decision to seek addiction treatment is a big first step in the recovery process. With this being such a big decision, it’s important that you take the time to research and evaluate your options before choosing a rehab facility. With there being so many options for treatment, there are often bad rehab facilities […]
What Is Loneliness? Humans have an innate need to feel like they belong. Loneliness, then, is an emotional state typically defined by painful feelings associated with a sense of isolation and/or a lack of social contact or belonging.1 Loneliness and social isolation, however, are two different things. The latter is simply a lack of human […]
Startling Statistics About Substance Misuse and Overdose Deaths The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases monthly provisional counts for drug overdose deaths each month. For the 12-month period ending in March 2023, there were 105,224 drug overdose deaths reported in the United States.1 Unfortunately, overdoses have become the leading injury-related cause of death […]
What are Hard Seltzers? Hard seltzers consist of clear carbonated water mixed with an alcohol base—usually derived from fermented cane sugar—and flavored with real fruit or natural flavors. Most hard seltzers are free of gluten and contain 4%-7% alcohol by volume (ABV). Less alcohol means less calories, which is part of the appeal for some. […]
Why is it Important to Have Fun in Recovery? Simply put, fun is a form of self-care that can ultimately help you avoid relapse. But let’s dig a little deeper to better understand what this means. Relapse happens over time and in various stages. That is, you typically don’t just wake up one day and […]
Benefits of Pet Ownership During Recovery When it comes to addiction treatment and recovery, pet ownership usually doesn’t make the top-10 list of therapy recommendations. However, based on a host of studies and anecdotal reports about the perks of pet ownership, maybe it should. Pets—including everything from cats and dogs to lizards and rabbits—can offer […]
Tap the info into your mobile phone, grab your earbuds and click on a program. Or boot up your computer, laptop or tablet, tune in and hit play. Perhaps do the same while traveling in your car, walking the dog, or doing the dishes. Do what? Listen to a podcast about addiction and recovery. A […]